When Seasonal Depression Hits Early

Fall has come, and I am miserable. Usually by this point in the month I have written between 40,000 and 50,000 words of some new novel that I may not ever actually edit, and I am feeling slightly accomplished. This year, I cannot push myself to do so.

Honestly, this year has been a lot. Some personal issues stole away a lot of time and energy and while most things are more settled and reasonable now, this summer took a toll on my mental health.

And now it's cold. Long time readers might remember that cold is not my forte. 

Feeling like one of those last dead leaves, just waiting to careen towards the Earth? Me too buddy. Hang on.

The sudden cold snap in my area recently has started some less than pleasant triggers for me 

I am doing my best to perform some level of self-care and keep myself ready for the upcoming holidays. How do I do so?

One method is to go out and enjoy some part of Japan-only events and such. It can be very isolating to be out here so close to family holidays back home, so remind yourself why it's also nice to be here.

Another option that I love is maintaining contact. For me, most of my friends make some time to chat with me every week, and this helps us all stay in each other's lives and knowing what's going on as situations in children and lives evolve as the months go by.

Also, treat yourself. This doesn't have to be expensive, but find something you can do to help yourself feel good. There's enough feeling bad out there in the universe. Give yourself a chance to feel something nice while you can.

Don't worry if you feel like the darkest maple leaf in the gutter. You're not alone.

Lastly, if things are really bleak, seek help. If you can afford therapy of some kind and are having a really rough time, please go and talk to someone. Most people need at least a mental health checkup regularly, and it seems like almost no one actually gets it.

How do you survive the colder months?